Best Natural Remedies to Treat Swollen Ankles and Feet

Ankles and feet swelling indicate fluid retention that is due to an excess of fluid in the tissues. Edema is most commonly seen around the ankles and feet. It can be distinguished from other forms of swelling by the fact that gentle pressure leaves a dent which takes a few seconds to smooth itself out.

The fluid excess is of a type known as extracellular. This forms a halfway house between fluid inside the cells and the fluid in the general circulation (blood and lymph system). Extracellular fluid exists in equilibrium with these other fluids and is readily exchangeable with either. In the normal individual this equilibrium is maintained by a combination of factors including the blood pressure in the arteries and veins and the concentration of various salts and proteins in the blood cells.

Common Causes of Swelling/Edema

The vast majority of edema sufferers are perfectly fit and healthy. In hot weather the capillaries on the skin surface dilate. This dilation causes fluid to leak out and swelling is the result. A similar condition occurs on long haul air flights. Lack of exercise, low cabin pressure and alcohol all contribute to the swelling of feet. This form of edema can largely be avoided by regular walks up and down the aisle and by exercises involving the legs and feet.

Any factor that slows the return of blood to the heart will cause swelling. Swelling is not a disease in itself, just a sign of one. It is essential to find and treat the cause of the swelling after consulting your GP.

Swollen Legs and Feet in Women

The fluid retention most women suffer before a period is due to a hormone imbalance. If severe, it can be treated medically. Although there is a hormonal element in water retention during pregnancy, the main cause of the swelling is pressure on the pelvic veins by the pregnant womb. In late pregnancy, a sudden increase in the amount of edema, especially if it is accompanied by high blood pressure, may be a sign of toxemia. You should consult your gynecologist at once.

Some effective natural home remedies are also helpful to treat and heal this condition naturally at home without any side effect. It will be better to stop salt intake during treatment for fast effective results.

Best Natural Remedies for Swollen Feet and Ankles

Turmeric

Turmeric is a safe anti-inflammatory herb to treat edema naturally. Fry one teaspoon turmeric powder in one teaspoon white butter for few seconds and add one glass boiled milk in it quickly. You can add crushed dry fruits in it to enhance the taste and quality of this wonderful tonic. Take this turmeric milk before going to sleep. You can get rid of edema within 3-4 days effectively.

Balckstrap Molasses

The juice from sugar cane is boiled to form sucrose crystals, or sugar. Molasses is the thick syrup which is left behind. Blackstrap molasses appears to be making headlines as one of the best home remedies to treat edema. Within one or two days you will notice less swelling and gradually disappearing also improve blood circulation. Mix one tablespoon blackstrap molasses in one glass juice and take it daily early in the morning.

Beetroot Juice with Apple Cider Vinegar

Beets assist in flushing out excess fluids from the body, and in removing harmful toxins that can build-up over time. Anti inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar are also well known from older times. One cup beetroot juice with one tablespoon apple cider vinegar is recommended to pregnant women to deal with edema. It is also very much effective to other patients dealing with edema.

Papaya

Papaya is another wonderful and fast effective fruit for edema. Papaya contains vitamin C, beta carotene, fiber and phytochemicals with strong antioxidant properties. They also contain a useful enzyme, papin, to help liver function. Make a delicious smoothies with papaya and other fruits daily to get rid of edema naturally. Papayas are the best natural source to give your body a break from its usual toxin load by reducing the amount of toxins you take in and causes edemas. Papaya also encourage your body to eliminate old and stored toxins.

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acid which is another best way to remove out toxins from our body. The anti-inflammatory property of flax seeds can also help reduce swelling naturally. Make a thick syrup with 250 grams jaggery on low flame and mix 500 grams flax seeds powder in it. Off the flame and place it to cool. Now make 1 gram pills with it and keep them in an air tight jar. Take one pill twice a day to treat edema effectively.

Ginger Tea with Nigella Seeds Oil

Ginger tea is another fast effective remedy that encourages the draining of toxins. It also has potassium, which reduce excessive sodium level in our body. Scientific research also provides clear evidence that nigella seeds oil and its active ingredients, such as thymoquinone, possess antioxidant effects. This is accomplished by enhancing the oxidant scavenger system, which has a detoxifying effect. Make a cup of green tea and mix 4-5 drops of nigella seeds oil. Cover, steep for 5 minutes. Drink it every day for one week to treat ankle and feet swelling.

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Water Chestnut

It has enough amount of potassium, which helps to counter the effect of sodium and good for lowering blood pressure as well as for your heart. Daily take a handful water chestnut kernels or one teaspoon dried water chestnut powder with plain water. It also has the balancing effects in the body due to the presence of enough amount of potassium and lower amount of sodium thus help to treat swollen ankles and feet.

Horse Chestnut

Horse chestnut reduces fluid retention by working on the connective tissue barricade between blood vessels and tissue. Horse chestnut seed is also used to improve circulation and promote the health of the blood vessels. It makes it harder for fluid to leak out of veins and capillaries. It also promotes fluid loss through the urine to prevent edema.

Cranberry Juice

Organic acids in cranberry such as citric acid, malic acid, quinic acid and that process functions as digestive enzymes in our body. These acids emulsify elements on sticky fat deposits and fluids in the lymphatic system that drain out all of the waste products that the liver cannot process. Cranberry juice also is full of antioxidants and helps maintaining the potassium balance. Daily take 125 ml cranberry juice with 300 ml plain water during the day. Take it unsweetened for fast results.

Mango Peels

Phytonutrient called mangiferin, which is highly available in the mango peel but only has trace amounts in the flesh of the fruit. Mangiferin is also known to be a powerful antioxidant capable of easing inflammation. Soak one mango peels in one glass water overnight. Next morning filter this water take it. Another fast effective natural remedy to treat swelling naturally. You can also apply mango peels paste on effected area to reduce inflammation.

Onion Juice

Onion is another natural source of potassium and other essential minerals. Onion has diuretic effect and help in maintaining good cholesterol levels; they’re poor in calories and are easy to add to any salad or main dish. Onion also contain organic acids, which accelerates the metabolism, and helps in breaking down and removing fatty deposits from the body. Take half cup onion juice daily to treat swelling naturally.

Sweet Potato

Sweet Potato is another potassium-rich food and sweet potatoes are also an excellent source of Vitamin A. It also has active anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which reduce the swelling, cleanse and purify the body. Take well cooked 50 grams sweet potato slices daily for one week to reduce fluid retention.

Coriander Seeds

Coriander seeds are also another natural treatment for ankles and feet swelling. The anti-inflammatory property of coriander seeds reduce swelling and improve blood circulation in affected areas. Take 1 teaspoon coriander seeds powder with one glass lukewarm water for 4-5 days.

Reduce Salt Intake

High salt intakes can cause fluid retention, bloating and dehydration. Do not add salt to any foods during cooking or at the table. Over a period of time, excess salt can increase the risk of high blood pressure in people who are susceptible. Instead, flavor your food with spices, freshly ground black pepper, fresh herbs, lemon and lime juice, or apple cider vinegar. You can also get enough sodium (salt) from foods in their natural state. Fruit, vegetables and grains contain potassium, which helps to re balance the sodium in your body and to flush out excess salt.

What to Add and What to Avoid

To reduce the lower limbs swelling, soak your feet in neem warm water for about 5-6 minutes and repeat this twice a day.

Take a regular walk and exercise.

Avoid to travel long it can worsen the condition.

Avoid prolonged sitting and standing as it promotes the pooling of fluids in your feet.